Dubai exported food products worth Dh3.5 billion ($953 million) last year with sugar and confectionery topping the list, making up 37 per cent of the export value of all food products, according to Dubai Export Development Corporation.

The emirate also re-exported Dh4.1 billion worth of food products in 2008, according to the recent figures from export development corporation.

In a new move to encourage more local businesses to export food products around the world, Dubai Municipality will be hosting an ‘International Buyer’s Centre’ at Sweets Middle East, which runs from November 2 to 4 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre in conjunction with Koelnmesse, organiser of the world’s leading confectionary show ISM.

“The UAE has many great food products to sell to the world,” said Bobby Krishna, senior food studies officer, Dubai Municipality.

'Dubai was built around the trade industry, and with the Arab Free Trade Agreement and the close proximity of our neighbors, we are well positioned to export many great products to the region,' he noted.

“There will be experienced staff at the International Buyers Centre in Sweets Middle East to provide advice and guidance on the opportunities abroad. We will also be able to provide on-site support to international exhibitors at the show who are looking to sell food in Dubai,” he added.

In addition to the new International Buyers Centre, Dubai Municipality is also helping to organise a workshop on ‘Understanding Food Trade Regulations in Dubai’ to provide further support and guidance to the hundreds of international companies who will be showcasing their latest products at the show.

“Sweets Middle East plays an important role in attracting new trade opportunities to the confectionery industry in Dubai,” said Mark Napier, exhibitions director, Dubai World Trade Centre.

“Dubai has traditionally been known for its food imports, and while Dubai Municipality will be able to offer invaluable advice to our international clients, we will also welcome many local companies looking to export more products around the GCC.”

Many new companies have already signed up for this year’s Sweets Middle East including Al Nassma, Burg Lauenstein, Caribou Coffee, ChoCo’a, Gulf Confectionery & Biscuits, La Roche, Pastor, The Nut Tree and United Dates.

New companies in the Sweet & SnackTec Middle East exhibition, which runs alongside Sweet Middle East, include Al Khaleej Sugar, AMP Rose, Ecomec, Integrated Plastics Packaging, Hans Brunner and Showcolate.-TradeArabia News Service